Gigabyte GA-MA78LMT-S2H: Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

Chapter 1 Hardware Installation

1-1 Installation Precautions

The motherboard contains numerous delicate electronic circuits and components which can

become damaged as a result of electrostatic discharge (ESD). Prior to installation, carefully read

the user's manual and follow these procedures:

• Prior to installation, do not remove or break motherboard S/N (Serial Number) sticker or

warranty sticker provided by your dealer. These stickers are required for warranty validation.

• Always remove the AC power by unplugging the power cord from the power outlet before

installing or removing the motherboard or other hardware components.

• When connecting hardware components to the internal connectors on the motherboard,

make sure they are connected tightly and securely.

• When handling the motherboard, avoid touching any metal leads or connectors.

• It is best to wear an electrostatic discharge (ESD) wrist strap when handling electronic com-

ponents such as a motherboard, CPU or memory. If you do not have an ESD wrist strap,

keep your hands dry and rst touch a metal object to eliminate static electricity.

•

Prior to installing the motherboard, please have it on top of an antistatic pad or within an

electrostatic shielding container.

• Before unplugging the power supply cable from the motherboard, make sure the power sup-

ply has been turned off.

• Before turning on the power, make sure the power supply voltage has been set according to

the local voltage standard.

• Before using the product, please verify that all cables and power connectors of your hard-

ware components are connected.

• To prevent damage to the motherboard, do not allow screws to come in contact with the

motherboard circuit or its components.

• Make sure there are no leftover screws or metal components placed on the motherboard or

within the computer casing.

• Do not place the computer system on an uneven surface

.

• Do not place the computer system in a high-temperature environment.

• Turning on the computer power during the installation process can lead to damage to sys-

tem components as well as physical harm to the user.

• If you are uncertain about any installation steps or have a problem related to the use of the

product, please consult a certied computer technician.

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1-4 Installing the Memory

Read the following guidelines before you begin to install the memory:

• Make sure that the motherboard supports the memory. It is recommended that memory of the

same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used.

(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)

• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing

the memory to prevent hardware damage.

• Memory modules have a foolproof design. A memory module can be installed in only one direc-

tion. If you are unable to insert the memory, switch the direction.

1-4-1 Dual Channel Memory Conguration

This motherboard provides four DDR3 memory sockets and supports Dual Channel Technology. After the

memory is installed, the BIOS will automatically detect the specications and capacity of the memory. En-

abling Dual Channel memory mode will double the original memory bandwidth.

The four DDR3 memory sockets are divided into two channels and each channel has two memory sockets as

following:

Channel 0: DDR3_1, DDR3_3

Channel 1: DDR3_2, DDR3_4

Dual Channel Memory Congurations Table

DDR3_1 DDR3_2 DDR3_3 DDR3_4

Two Modules

DS/SS DS/SS - - - -

- - - - DS/SS DS/SS

Four Modules

DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS DS/SS

(SS=Single-Sided, DS=Double-Sided, "- -"=No Memory)

If two memory modules are to be installed, it is rec-

ommended that you install them in the DDR3_1 and

DDR3_2 sockets.

DDR3_1

DDR3_2

DDR3_3

DDR3_4

Due to CPU limitations, read the following guidelines before installing the memory in Dual Channel mode.

1. Dual Channel mode cannot be enabled if only one DDR3 memory module is installed.

2. When enabling Dual Channel mode with two or four memory modules, it is recommended that

memory of the same capacity, brand, speed, and chips be used and installed in the same colored

DDR3 sockets for optimum performance.

Hardware Installation - 16 -

1-4-2 Installing a Memory

Before installing a memory module, make sure to turn off the computer and unplug the power

cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the memory module.

DDR3 and DDR2 DIMMs are not compatible to each other or DDR DIMMs. Be sure to install

DDR3 DIMMs on this motherboard.

Notch

DDR3 DIMM

A DDR3 memory module has a notch, so it can only t in one direction. Follow the steps below to correctly

install your memory modules in the memory sockets.

Step 1:

Note the orientation of the memory module. Spread the retaining

clips at both ends of the memory socket. Place the memory module

on the socket. As indicated in the picture on the left, place your n-

gers on the top edge of the memory, push down on the memory and

insert it vertically into the memory socket.

Step 2:

The clips at both ends of the socket will snap into place when the

memory module is securely inserted.

- 17 - Hardware Installation

1-5 Installing an Expansion Card

Read the following guidelines before you begin to install an expansion card:

• Make sure the motherboard supports the expansion card. Carefully read the manual that came

with your expansion card.

• Always turn off the computer and unplug the power cord from the power outlet before installing

an expansion card to prevent hardware damage.

PCI Express x1 Slot

PCI Express x16 Slot

PCI Slot

Follow the steps below to correctly install your expansion card in the expansion slot.

1. Locate an expansion slot that supports your card. Remove the metal slot cover from the chassis back panel.

2. Align the card with the slot, and press down on the card until it is fully seated in the slot.

3. Make sure the metal contacts on the card are completely inserted into the slot.

4. Secure the card’s metal bracket to the chassis back panel with a screw.

5. After installing all expansion cards, replace the chassis cover(s).

6. Turn on your computer. If necessary, go to BIOS Setup to make any required BIOS changes for your

expansion card(s).

7. Install the driver provided with the expansion card in your operating system.

Example: Installing and Removing a PCI Express Graphics Card:

• Installing a Graphics Card:

Gently push down on the top edge of the card until

it is fully inserted into the PCI Express slot. Make

sure the card is securely seated in the slot and

does not rock.

• Removing the Card from the PCIEX16_1 slot:

Gently push back on the lever on the slot and then lift the card straight out from

the slot.

Hardware Installation - 18 -

1-6 Back Panel Connectors

(Note 1) (Note 2)

(Note 2)

USB 2.0/1.1 Port

The USB port supports the USB 2.0/1.1 specication. Use this port for USB devices such as a USB key-

board/mouse, USB printer, USB ash drive and etc.

PS/2 Keyboard or PS/2 Mouse Port

Use this port to connect a PS/2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse.

D-Sub Port

The D-Sub port supports a 15-pin D-Sub connector. Connect a monitor that supports D-Sub connection

to this port.

(Note 1)(Note 2)

DVI-D Port

The DVI-D port supports DVI-D specictation. Connect a monitor that supports DVI-D connection to this

port.

(Note 2)

HDMI Port

The HDMI (High-Denition Multimedia Interface) provides an all-digital audio/video interface to transmit

the uncompressed audio/video signals and is HDCP compliant. Connect the HDMI audio/video device to

this port. The HDMI Technology can support a maximum resolution of 1920x1080p but the actual resolu-

tions supported depend on the monitor being used.

• After installing the HDMI device, make sure the default device for sound playback is the HDMI

device. (The item name may differ by operating system. The following screen is from Win-

dows Vista.)

• Please note the HDMI audio output only supports AC3, DTS and 2-channel-LPCM formats.

(AC3 and DTS require the use of an external decoder for decoding.)

In Windows Vista, select Start>Control Panel>Sound, select Realtek

HDMI Output and then click Set Default.

(Note 1) The DVI-D port does not support D-Sub connection by adapter.

(Note 2) Simultaneous output for DVI-D and HDMI is not supported.

- 19 - Hardware Installation

A. Dual Display Congurations:

This motherboard provides three ports for video output: DVI-D, HDMI and D-Sub. The table below shows

the supported dual display congurations.

Dual

Combination Supported or Not

Display

DVI-D + D-Sub Yes

DVI-D + HDMI No

HDMI + D-Sub Yes

B. Playback of HD DVD and Blu-ray Discs:

In order to get better playback quality, when playing the HD DVD or Blu-ray discs, refer to the recom-

mended system requirements (or better) below.

• Memory: Two 1 GB DDR3 1066 memory modules with dual channel mode enabled

• BIOS Setup: At least 256 MB of UMA Frame Buffer Size (refer to Chapter 2, "BIOS Setup," "Advanced

BIOS Features," for more information)

• Playback software: CyberLink PowerDVD 8.0 or later (Note: Please ensure Hardware Acceleration

is enabled.)

• HDCP compliant monitor(s)

Optical S/PDIF Out Connector

This connector provides digital audio out to an external audio system that supports digital optical audio.

Before using this feature, ensure that your audio system provides an optical digital audio in connector.

eSATA 3Gb/s Port

The eSATA 3Gb/s port conforms to SATA 3Gb/s standard and is compatible with SATA 1.5Gb/s standard.

Use the port to connect an external SATA device or a SATA port multiplier.

RJ-45 LAN Port

The Gigabit Ethernet LAN port provides Internet connection at up to 1 Gbps data rate. The following de-

scribes the states of the LAN port LEDs.

Connection/

Speed LED

Activity LED

Connection/Speed LED:

Activity LED:

State Description

State Description

Orange 1 Gbps data rate

Blinking Data transmission or receiving is occurring

Green 100 Mbps data rate

Off No data transmission or receiving is occurring

Off 10 Mbps data rate

LAN Port

• When removing the cable connected to a back panel connector, rst remove the cable from your

device and then remove it from the motherboard.

• When removing the cable, pull it straight out from the connector. Do not rock it side to side to

prevent an electrical short inside the cable connector.

Hardware Installation - 20 -

Center/Subwoofer Speaker Out Jack (Orange)

Use this audio jack to connect center/subwoofer speakers in a 5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.

Rear Speaker Out Jack (Black)

Use this audio jack to connect rear speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.

Side Speaker Out Jack (Gray)

Use this audio jack to connect side speakers in a 7.1-channel audio conguration.

Line In Jack (Blue)

The default line in jack. Use this audio jack for line in devices such as an optical drive, walkman, etc.

Line Out Jack (Green)

The default line out jack. Use this audio jack for a headphone or 2-channel speaker. This jack can be

used to connect front speakers in a 4/5.1/7.1-channel audio conguration.

Mic In Jack (Pink)

The default Mic in jack. Microphones must be connected to this jack.

In addition to the default speakers settings, the ~ audio jacks can be recongured to perform

different functions via the audio software. Only microphones still MUST be connected to the

default Mic in jack ( ). Refer to the instructions on setting up a 2/4/5.1/7.1-channel audio con-

guration in Chapter 5, "Conguring 2/4/5.1/7.1-Channel Audio."

- 21 - Hardware Installation

1-7 Internal Connectors

1

6

17

2

3

15

11

7

5

8

12

13

10

16

18 19 4 14

9

1) ATX_12V_2X4

11) F_AUDIO

2) ATX

12) CD_IN

3) CPU_FAN

13) SPDIF_IO

4) SYS_FAN

14) F_USB1/F_USB2/F_USB3

5) NB_FAN

15) LPT

6) FDD

16) COM

7) IDE

17) CI

8) SATA2_0/1/2/3/4

18) CLR_CMOS

9) PWR_LED

19) BAT

10) F_PANEL

Read the following guidelines before connecting external devices:

• First make sure your devices are compliant with the connectors you wish to connect.

• Before installing the devices, be sure to turn off the devices and your computer. Unplug the

power cord from the power outlet to prevent damage to the devices.

• After installing the device and before turning on the computer, make sure the device cable has

been securely attached to the connector on the motherboard.

Hardware Installation - 22 -

- 23 - Hardware Installation

1/2) ATX_12V_2X4/ATX (2x4 12V Power Connector and 2x12 Main Power Connector)

With the use of the power connector, the power supply can supply enough stable power to all the com-

ponents on the motherboard. Before connecting the power connector, rst make sure the power supply

is turned off and all devices are properly installed. The power connector possesses a foolproof design.

Connect the power supply cable to the power connector in the correct orientation. The 12V power con-

nector mainly supplies power to the CPU. If the 12V power connector is not connected, the computer will

not start.

• To meet expansion requirements, it is recommended that a power supply that can withstand

high power consumption be used (500W or greater). If a power supply is used that does not

provide the required power, the result can lead to an unstable or unbootable system.

• The power connectors are compatible with power supplies with 2x2 12V and 2x10 power

connectors. When using a power supply providing a 2x4 12V and a 2x12 power connector,

remove the protective covers from the 12V power connector and the main power connector on

the motherboard. Do not insert the power supply cables into pins under the protective covers

when using a power supply providing a 2x2 12V and a 2x10 power connector.

ATX_12V_2X4:

Pin No. Denition

1 GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)

1

5

2 GND (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)

3 GND

4 GND

4

8

5 +12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)

ATX_12V_2X4

6 +12V (Only for 2x4-pin 12V)

7 +12V

8 +12V

ATX:

Pin No. Denition

Pin No. Denition

1 3.3V

13 3.3V

2 3.3V

14 -12V

3 GND

15 GND

4 +5V

16 PS_ON (soft On/Off)

5 GND

17 GND

6 +5V

18 GND

7 GND

19 GND

8 Power Good

20 -5V

9 5VSB (stand by +5V)

21 +5V

10 +12V

22 +5V

11 +12V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)

23 +5V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)

12 3.3V (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)

24 GND (Only for 2x12-pin ATX)

12

24

1

13

ATX

3/4) CPU_FAN/SYS_FAN (Fan Headers)

The motherboard has a 4-pin CPU fan header (CPU_FAN)and a 4-pin system fan header(SYS_FAN).

Each fan header supplies a +12V power voltage and possesses a foolproof insertion design. When con-

necting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation. Most fans are designed with color-

coded power connector wires. A red power connector wire indicates a positive connection and requires

a +12V voltage. The black connector wire is the ground wire. The motherboard supports CPU fan speed

control, which requires the use of a CPU fan with fan speed control design. For optimum heat dissipa-

tion, it is recommended that a system fan be installed inside the chassis.

CPU_FAN:

Pin No. Denition

1 GND

2 +12V / Speed Control

CPU_FAN

3 Sense

4 Speed Control

SYS_FAN:

Pin No. Denition

1 GND

SYS_FAN

2 +12V / Speed Control

3 Sense

4 Reserve

Pin No. Denition

1 GND

2 +12V

3 NC

• Be sure to connect fan cables to the fan headers to prevent your CPU, North Bridge and

system from overheating. Overheating may result in damage to the CPU/North Bridge or the

system may hang.

• These fan headers are not conguration jumper blocks. Do not place a jumper cap on the

headers.

Hardware Installation - 24 -

1

1

5) NB_FAN (North Bridge Fan Header)

Connect the North Bridge fan cable to this header. The fan header has a foolproof insertion design.

When connecting a fan cable, be sure to connect it in the correct orientation. Most fans are designed

with color-coded power connector wires. A red power connector wire indicates a positive connection and

requires a +12V voltage. The black connector wire is the ground wire.

1

6) FDD (Floppy Disk Drive Connector)

This connector is used to connect a oppy disk drive. The types of oppy disk drives supported are:

360 KB, 720 KB, 1.2 MB, 1.44 MB, and 2.88 MB. Before connecting a oppy disk drive, be sure to locate

pin 1 of the connector and the oppy disk drive cable. The pin 1 of the cable is typically designated by a

stripe of different color. For purchasing the optional oppy disk drive cable, please contact the local dealer.

34

33

2

1

7) IDE (IDE Connector)

The IDE connector supports up to two IDE devices such as hard drives and optical drives. Before attach-

ing the IDE cable, locate the foolproof groove on the connector. If you wish to connect two IDE devices,

remember to set the jumpers and the cabling according to the role of the IDE devices (for example,

master or slave). (For information about conguring master/slave settings for the IDE devices, read the

instructions from the device manufacturers.)

40

39

2

1

- 25 - Hardware Installation

19) BAT(BATTERY)

The battery provides power to keep the values (such as BIOS congurations, date, and time information)

in the CMOS when the computer is turned off. Replace the battery when the battery voltage drops to a

low level, or the CMOS values may not be accurate or may be lost.

You may clear the CMOS values by removing the battery:

1. Turn off your computer and unplug the power cord.

2. Gently remove the battery from the battery holder and wait for one

minute. (Or use a metal object like a screwdriver to touch the positive

and negative terminals of the battery holder, making them short for 5

seconds.)

3. Replace the battery.

4. Plug in the power cord and restart your computer.

• Always turn off your computer and unplug the power cord before replacing the battery.

• Replace the battery with an equivalent one. Danger of explosion if the battery is replaced with

an incorrect model.

• Contact the place of purchase or local dealer if you are not able to replace the battery by your-

self or uncertain about the battery model.

• When installing the battery, note the orientation of the positive side (+) and the negative side (-)

of the battery (the positive side should face up).

• Used batteries must be handled in accordance with local environmental regulations.

Hardware Installation - 32 -